A Pacific storm is expected to hit San Diego County Thursday with rain and potentially damaging winds.
A National Weather Service high wind warning for the mountains and deserts will extend from 4 p.m. today to 8 p.m. Friday. West to southwest winds of 20 to 40 miles per hour will be possible, along with gusts of 60 to 75 mph in certain areas.
"Winds will become very strong late this afternoon through Friday with gusts to 75 mph on mountain ridge tops and localized gusts to 60 mph on the desert floor," according to the weather service.
Rain is also expected throughout the region. Predicted rainfall amounts include .32 of an inch in Borrego Springs; .64 in San Diego; .78 in Oceanside; .84 in the Miramar area; .99 in Escondido; .1.11 inches in Ramona; 1.17 in Alpine; 1.50 on Mt. Laguna; 2.26 in Julian; and 3.04 on Palomar Mountain, according to the weather service.
A storm will arrive late Thursday, & and bring rain overnight Thursday into Friday. #CAwx #SanDiegoWeather pic.twitter.com/pF3O3lpLaD
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) December 15, 2016
"The main players in this storm will be significant rain everywhere and locally heavy rain in the mountains," according to the weather service. "Strong winds will also be a factor especially in the mountains, deserts and coastal waters."
Forecasters said gusty winds in the deserts and along the deserts slopes of the mountains may produce areas of blowing dust and strong cross winds that could make travel difficult along portions of Interstate 8.
"Strong winds can make driving difficult, especially for drivers of high-profile vehicles and vehicles towing trailers," according to the weather service. "Winds this strong may down trees and power lines and cause property damage."
Rain may also wreak havoc on area roadways and slick conditions are expected during the morning commute Friday.
Temperatures are not expected to drop to where significant snowfall is possible, according to the NWS.
"Snow will not be a big factor, unless you happen to be hanging out above 8,000 feet," according to the weather service.
The storm is expected to move out of the area Friday night and cooler, drier weather will follow.
